Softphones for VoIPing

If you haven’t made the switch from legacy plain old telephones [aka POT] to a Voice over Internet Protocol [aka VoIP] network, the new line of softphones that have hit the market might make change your mind.

With this new technology, you can have a VoIP softphone running on its own device, smartphone, laptop, tablet and/or desktop computer within minutes by simply installing a specific application.

Here’s several recommended softphones out of the hundreds available that are considered by tech critics as the best for iOS and Android devices, and all are compatible with Telzio’s small business phone system. [Note: all pricing listed here is subject to change.]

Bria

The Bria softphone for iOS and Android users is widely recognized globally. Of recent date, it has gained even wider popularity by winning several industry awards, and is considered one of the most secure softphone applications available in the market today.

Built on SIP and open standards, Bria is proven interoperable with many of the industry’s standard platforms and devices.

Once installed, you can purchase additional add-ons, such as video calls and instant text messages, to improve the overall experience.

Current Unit Price: $49.99 each, where SMBs can receive a volume discount of 9-percent when purchasing more that 50 units and a 23-percent when buying 100+units.

ZoiPer

Popular with both Android and Apple users, the ZoiPer is exceedingly easy to configure and can be paired with a bluetooth headset or a car audio system. It provides users with a streamlined interface that will search, find and bundle all of your contacts in one list for easy access.

Zoiper softphones do not rely on Java, Flash or .NET but is written in oldsk00l C/C++ and assembly. This result is low memory and CPU usage that makes for quality audio even on older hardware.

Current Unit Price: Starting at € 29.45 or $44.35 USD, the ZoiPer Classic package comes with 729 gig support

SessionTalk

Considered by many, the SessionTalk softphone is probably one of the most intuitive softphones for iOS and Android users. With app background support and use of the VP8 codec, SessionTalk makes switching between apps on mobile devices a breeze, particularly when toggling between multiple active calls.

It also supports calls over both WiFi and 3G networks, and offers Video Calling where users have access to both front and rear camera options, with the ability to stop, start and send video.

Current Pricing: The most costly of the softphones reviewed here today, SessionTalk’s service is based on monthly subscription model, where their basic plan begins at $200 per month, plus a $400 set-up fee.

Media5-fone

Many refer to the Media5-fone as one the easiest-to-use VoIP softphones for both Android and iOS users. It works with a good number of SIP providers, so users will not be required to make any changes to their existing VoIP setup if they don’t want to. With easy customization and multiple other features the Media5-fone provides everything you need to leverage the power of VoIP within your SMB operation.

As a SIP client app, it allows users to make and receive VoIP calls over Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, and LTE networks. They are also compatible with Telzio.

A few of the current noteworthy features include SIP URI dialing, attended transfer, blind transfer, 3 way conferencing, support for 2 simultaneous calls, and detailed SIP traces. However, the application currently only allows users to have 1 account active at a time.

Current Pricing: The Media5-fone is the least expensive of those listed in today’s review- and is currently available for iPhone or Android users for only $6.99

So if you’re in the market…

The softphone is the wise choice for leveraging the power of the VoIP technologies to an extent that saves you money and time. The past few years saw the growing number of applications now available for VoIP, which saw this protocol supplanting the need for additional equipment or hiring experts to install the technology. These apps have literally replaced high-priced line items, with those hitting the budget much more softly.